The water was like "glass" and racing was "great” on Saturday for the Central Otago Rowing Championships on Lake Dunstan, according to Dunstan Arm Rowing (DARC) Club head coach Simon Smith.

More than 200 athletes from the Central rowing clubs, and clubs and schools from Dunedin and Twizel took part in the 44 races over the two-day regatta.

“It was stunning weather on Saturday, just absolute magic . . . on Sunday there was a bit of a southerly to contend with, which was a bit more challenging.”

Simon said the overall regatta trophy, ‘The Dead Rabbit’, a steel rabbit cutout mounted on a piece of schist rock was won by DARC again.

DARC scored 289 points, Wakatipu Rowing Club placed second with 113 and Otago Boys' High School third on 68.

Simon said it had been a massive weekend and it was awesome to have family and friends come and support the club. 

For some DARC athletes new to rowing it was their first time in a regatta.

Maz Connell and Ferdinand Kandler. PHOTO: Leon Morris

“Loads of novices had a great regatta, and heading into Otago Championships next week in Twizel where things are more serious it was a [positive] experience.

“A special thanks to Christine Moffat, our chief umpire from Timaru Rowing Club and Glen Sinclair from Dunedin. [Also thanks to] all the helpers and volunteers who contributed time and food too.”

Emer Bryant and Ellie King. PHOTO: Leon Morris

DARC has novice rowers as young as 12 and masters up to 65 years old. The canteen that ran over the weekend was a fundraiser for the club and offered coffee, baking, bacon butties and sausages.